President Tsai addresses Taiwan-EU supply chains forum

2021/03/12

President Tsai Ing-wen said March 10 that Taiwan will continue working with the EU to weather the pandemic while boosting cooperation to build diversified, reliable and resilient global supply chains.

According to the president, Taiwan is a key trading partner of the EU and the EU is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment. This close relationship is built on the two sides’ shared values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law, Tsai said, adding that the country’s respect for intellectual property, effective COVID-19 response, and trade expertise further strengthen collaboration with like-minded partners in Europe.

Tsai made the remarks during a speech delivered from the Presidential Office in Taipei City for an online bilateral supply chain forum. The event was co-organized by Taipei Representative Offices in the EU and Belgium, Taipei-headquartered Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association, and Belgium-based think tank European Institute for Asian Studies.

According to Tsai, emerging global challenges have highlighted the importance of supply chain resilience. To this end, Taiwan has spared no effort in developing advanced electronics, biotechnology and renewable energy, areas promoted under the six core strategic industries initiative, she added.

Tsai took the opportunity to thank the European Parliament and EU business leaders for their long-standing support of Taiwan-EU relations. She also praised the event for fostering deeper connectivity between the sides, helping create jobs that will bolster bilateral growth and spurring investment.

Also taking part in the event was Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu.

In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Minister Wu joined @iingwen in giving opening remarks at the #EU-#Taiwan Supply Chains Forum. The big takeaway? ‘We stand ready to collaborate with the EU in its pursuit of open strategic autonomy, particularly in the fields of semiconductors, #5G networks & biotechnology.’”

Unveiled by President Tsai Ing-wen during her 2020 inauguration and building on the five-plus-two innovative industries program, the six core strategic industries are set to transform Taiwan into a dynamic force in the global economy. They comprise information and digital technology, cybersecurity, biotech and medical technology, national defense, green and renewable energy, and strategic stockpile industries.


Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)